I have what I like to call an on-going little affair with the world of Burlesque – what can I say? I’m drawn into their zest, their cheekiness, their magnificent costumes, and the general dandy-like atmosphere that comes with it. I’ve taken Burlesque classes and learnt how to seductively remove a pair of pink satin gloves , I have attended numerous soirees, parties and shows wearing sparkles, lace and red lipstick while sipping on scrumptious cocktails, I have mingled with, face-book befriended and interviewed the likes of LA star Ava Garter, NY’s wild-child Maine Anders (aka Maine Attraction), Holli-Mae Johnson editor of 21 Century Pinup and become an avid follower of Paris’ very own Porcelain Pinup, visionarist and talent, Gentry de Paris.So yes, you can say that I am “kinda” looking forward to the much anticipated extravaganza the “Gentry de Paris Revue with Dita Von Teese” which will be showcased at the Casino de Paris – the birthplace of La Grande Revue – what’s more exciting is that this show will be the first Revue in 50 years!
Hang on, there’s a modern twist too! Performing along side Gentry, will be international Burlesque beauties Millicint Binks the English Rose, and Julietta La Doll Berlin’s Blonde Bombshell and for the first time in Paris we will be seeing Warren Speed who will debut his own brand of boylesque (ooo now this sounds interesting!) Have I missed anyone out? uummmm, oh yes, silly me, the star of the show is a cute brunette called Dita….
Darlings! The legendary Dita Von Teese will be performing her European premier of her new number “The Opium Den” (can’t wait! can’t wait!)
As soon as the press release landed in my in-box I quickly contacted Gentry to give me and my Paris Popcorn readers a little sneak-peek on what to expect….
me: As artist director of the show, where did your vision and inspiration for crafting it all together come from?
Gentry: There wasn’t one single source of inspiration, but the show draws heavily on the Grande Revue format from the turn of the century, with Zeigfeld-esque opulent costumes and set decor, and the most famous, talented and beautiful strip teasers in the world…All surrounded by a cast of award-winning singers and dancers. It’s going to look like a technicolor MGM musical come to life.
me: Ooooolala -so what kind of sensations can a first timer expect to experience from seeing such a show?
Gentry: This show is going to blow their socks off! It’s a classic French theatrical format re-vamped and revved up for modern audiences.
me: I’m impatient to know what your costumes will look like – can you describe them to me?
Gentry: In act one, I’m wearing three outfits for one tableau. A diaphanous toga with a 5-foot train that comes apart in 3 pieces. Underneath is a feather and crystal encrusted leotard, and under that is a Swarovsky crystal covered g-string that matches my crystal covered pointe shoes. And star-shaped pasties of course. In act two I’m wearing a corset that makes my waits 18 inches and is covered with real diamond dust. We’ve spared no expense in the costume budget to make this show glimmer and shine. My shoes are covered with 5000 two-millimeter crystals.
me: (shreeeeeeeek!!!!)
me: I’ve heard a lot of hype about Dita’s European debut of “The Opium Den” – what is it all about?
Gentry: The Opium Den is Dita’s newest number, and it’s by fat her most visually spectacular creation. I don’t think people realize that she creates her shows from A-Z. She comes up with the concept, works closely with the prop maker to realize the perfect, multi functioning prop, designs her costume (which is covered with so many Swarovski crystals that is weighs more than she does) and even has a hand in the music mix. It’s a number that can only be produced on a large stage and this is going to be the European debut.
me: What would you say to a person who steps into the world of Burlesque – be it as a spectator or a performer?
Gentry: I hope the spectators are charmed by the pageantry, opulent and glamour. As for burlesque performers….it’s an artistic discipline just like any other. The moments of glamour are far outweighed by the hours of rehearsal, creation, costume making, booking, marketing/promotion, and travel. And exercising!
So there you have it boys and girls! If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, I suggest you treat yourself to this event! Even if you’re not in Paris, swim over if you have to – after all, 84 years ago this was the place where Josephine Baker made her debut as the “Dark Star” of the Follies Bergére!!!
Produced by KMC Productions, this show promises to “titillate and tease audiences in high-voltage vintage style” and is running from the 7 – 17 September 2009
Tickets are available through this link
photo credits:
red-feather poster of Dita Von Teese – Danielle Beddics
black-feathers with Gentry de Paris – Aurelie Thevenin
